Sound of GOL and Watford FC: Creating Equality, Changing Lives

THE PROBLEM

Youth soccer is a big business: There are roughly 4 million registered youth soccer players in the United States and it’s estimated that the industry generates $3 to $4 billion annually. The US Soccer Federation has failed the sport by creating a system that exploits capitalism and promotes segregation based on income.

Latina women who love soccer and are passionate about the sport have limited access to resources that will help them develop as coaches, which leads to limited access for players.

THE SOLUTION

Sound of GOL Foundation and Watford FC Women have teamed up to provide life changing opportunitIes to aspiring BIPOC women soccer coaches: highly skilled young women from the Downtown LA Soccer Club, where the rosters are 95% Latina and 100% economically challenged, will travel to London for an intensive immersion experience: they will embed with the Watford FC Women coaching staff, participating in team meetings, practices and drills, to develop their soccer knowledge alongside professional coaches.  Following the experience, SOG will cover the costs of their first coaching certification.

THE WHY

For the women of today, we’re committed to providing access and opportunity. For the women of tomorrow, we’re focused on empowerment and fostering sustainable change, so they can pursue their dreams.

MEET NAYELLI

Widely known in Los Angeles soccer circles as an elite player since her teen years, Nayelli was never scouted for travel, collegiate or developmental programs, largely because her Downtown Los Angeles Soccer Club (DTLA) does not get noticed.  Many people have told her story, but actual assistance never came.

“With all these false promises, it’s like I take a step, but the door is already shut for me.”

In January 2024, she received the opportunity of a lifetime when SOG and Watford FC Women teamed up to provide her with a 10-day trip to London to train with Watford, with a goal of earning a spot on the team.  While Nayelli ultimately realized her playing days were over, the trip opened her eyes to the possibility of channeling her passion and skills to coaching.  And it opened our eyes to the barriers to coaching that exist for BIPOC women.

We are thrilled to introduce our first Downtown Los Angeles Soccer coaching class, who will travel to London in January 2025. Latinas with roots in Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador: Nayelli Barahona, Dunia Casula, Luzy Erazo, Maria Gomez, Kimberly Surio and Abigail Quechol.

Follow along as we document this exciting adventure. And we invite you to TAKE ACTION and support our mission.

MEET OUR FUTURE COACHES